First, I don't think the Avalon should have a TRD version. I can see the Camry getting one, but people don't want the Avalon to be a sports sedan; they want it to be a comfortable and reliable form of transportation. This desire to impress enthusiast mags and try and get a more exciting image is compromising a formerly excellent car. It would make more sense to offer an ultra-luxe version, even if it steps on Lexus' toes a little.

Second, if they really want to make a TRD Avalon "sports sedan", give it at least a 15-20 hp bump, if not more. Right now they can't back up their styling. A standard Avalon would probably be quicker just from having smaller wheels. And the Camry TRD really needs a power bump, too, in my opinion. These weak performance versions seem so half-*ssed.

This is far more money than the Avalon XSE, but not enough additional performance to justify the extra money spent. Also, I doubt there is much interest in a performance variant of the Avalon. If you're spending this much on the TRD Avalon, why not just get a far, FARnicer vehicle with the ES350 F Sport for $3,000 more?

Norm T. is going to come in here and tell us how you can get a Impala for $20,000 less than this and how great it is, unless he has already.